Ficus planted as a hedge 1 1/2 feet apart is fast-growing and looks great.
Simple shaving every so often with hedgeclippers is all the maintenance it requires.
Arborvitae, Upright Holly, Cryptomeria and Limber Pine are all good privacy screens. Beware of bamboo. You would need a barrier, otherwise it will spread everywhere you don't want it to.
Good fences make good neighbors. I suggest when building a barrier you make sure it compliments the existing landscape and home architecture. You can either build with plants or materials. Using plants account for growth rate...the barrier could take forever to create the block you desire. So in building look at budget and aesthetics you have available. A woven wood fence works well in most landscapes. Woven wood can be made with pine, willow and other materials.
